Apple Delays HomePod Smart Speaker Launch Until 2018

Apple announced its HomePod Smart Speaker back in June at the WWDC event and originally intended to launch it before this year end. Since it was supposed to arrive this holiday season, it seems that Apple has officially delayed the HomePod smart speaker into 2018. What this means is that if you were expecting to get your hands on it by the end of 2017, you have to wait a little longer. As per the company, there just needs to be a little more time before the smart speaker hits the market, ready for the general public. So let’s dive in to see some more details on the subject.

Apple’s HomePod Smart Speaker Delayed Into Early 2018

The report comes from CNBC stating that the HomePod smart speaker will be launched next year. The promised launch month of the speaker was set to be December. Apple shared a statement to 9to5mac in which it confirms the delay:

“We can’t wait for people to experience HomePod, Apple’s breakthrough wireless speaker for the home, but we need a little more time before it’s ready for our customers. We’ll start shipping in the US, UK, and Australia in early 2018.”

So what might be the possible launch date in terms of an early 2018 launch? There’s a possibility that the HomePod will be released in January at the very least. However, there are no official statements regarding it so do take the news with a pinch of salt. In comparison, the Apple Watch was also expected to launch in early 2015 but managed to arrive in the April of that year. So there’s quite a bit of gap in between. The AirPods were similarly delayed as well. However, another Apple product which is expected to release by the end of this year: the iMac Pro.

At this point in time, the reason for the delay is unknown. What we can presume at this stage is the fact that Apple is possibly finalizing its efforts on the AirPlay 2 which plays a key role in the HomePod.

In contrast to the HomePod availability, Amazon, and Google already have their respective smart speakers in the market. Sonos is also looking forward to stepping in the smart speaker game. So we have to wait for Apple’s smart speaker to arrive. There could possibly be many reasons behind this which the company will probably not disclose.

There will be more to the story, so be sure to stay tuned in for more details. This is it for now, folks. What are your thoughts on the HomePod smart speaker delayed into 2018? Were you planning to get it for yourself? Share your views with us in the comments.

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